Apparatus for aerating and draining

ABSTRACT

An aeration and drainage system includes an aeration &amp; drain pipe which contains slots on its upper surface, a stand which holds said aeration &amp; drain pipe above a bottom surface, an air and liquid transfer element attached to the aeration &amp; drain pipe and positioned over said slots. Additionally the air and liquid transfer element extends upward from the slots, and the air and liquid transfer element contains openings on its top to allow fluids to flow into the air and liquid transfer element and through the slots in the aeration &amp; drain pipe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/032,134, filed Feb. 22, 2011, which in turn is a non-provisionalapplication claiming benefit of provisional application 61/306,651 filedon Feb. 22, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following description sets forth the inventor's knowledge of relatedart and problems therein and should not be construed as an admission ofknowledge in the prior art.

The present disclosure relates to an aeration and drainage system usedfor example in composting and dairy farms. Prior to this disclosure, thefollowing techniques were employed in an attempt to aerate and/or draina floor surface.

A first example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,786 to Evans et al. teaches an openslot culvert for positioning in a drainage area with the open slot atthe top so that any surface drainage water will flow through the slotand directly into the culvert, including a method and apparatus for itsmanufacture. The improved open slot culvert comprises a metallic, pipesection, split longitudinally along its upper side to form a narrowslot, and grate means, including two spaced, vertical bearing membersjoined by spacer means, secured in the slot. The method of making theimproved open slot culvert includes the steps of providing twoelongated, parallel, vertical members in spaced relation having aplurality of spacer means therebetween, longitudinally splitting theupper side of a metallic pipe section to form a narrow slot, andproperly positioning the grate means within the narrow slot. Theapparatus for making the improved open slot culvert generally comprisesan entry pipe station, a pipe clamp, saw and tack welding station, and afinish welding and exit station.

A second, U.S. Pat. No. 3,898,778 to Erickson et al. teaches an improvedmethod for cast-in-place construction of a concrete drainage conduitimmediately below an integral concrete floor surface, including floorsurface, including a longitudinal slot for discharge of surface fluidsinto said conduit. A water-inflated, fabric-reinforced plastic tubularform and longitudinal slot-forming inserts, used during the concretepouring operations, are later retrieved at one end of the conduit forreuse following deflation of the tubular form. Conduits of non-circularcross section may be formed if desired. This improved method is usefulfor construction of drainage facilities for flushable slotted floors forcattle confinement feedlots and for other paved surface such as autoparking areas, roadway and airports.

A third example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,078 to Richardson teaches a methodof floor drainage trough installation to prevent gaps between the upperedge portions of the side walls of the floor drainage trough and thebody of concrete in which the trough is set, such gaps resulting fromshrinkage of the concrete as the body of concrete is cured, strips ofwoven glass fiber material are provided in the upper edge portions ofthe side walls of the trough during the molding thereof, with closelyspaced loops of the glass fiber material of which the strips are formedbeing coated with the plastics material of which the trough is formedduring the molding of the trough and outwardly projecting under theinfluence of the inherent resiliency thereof by removing the trough fromthe mold prior to the plastics material becoming fully set. The loopsare securely embedded in the body of concrete, so that during the curingof the body of concrete the shrinkage thereof causes slight splayingapart of the upper edge portions of the side walls of the trough,thereby preventing formation of the above-mentioned gaps.

A fourth example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,727 to Capuano teaches a one-pieceslotted conduit having a thin inner body section and an encompassingframe structure. The encompassing frame structure having speciallydesigned recesses formed in it to ensure maximum conduit strength and aneconomic use of material. The slotted conduit also including male/femaleinterconnecting ends which ensure easy and accurate alignment of aplurality of conduits in an interconnected system.

A fifth example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,410 to Blume teaches this inventionrelates to the draining of foundations by using an elongate subterraneandrainage structure located approximately horizontally and parallel tothe foundation in combination with a plurality of elongate upwardlyextending hollow drain structures extending from the structure towardthe surface of the earth. Hydrostatic pressure of water in the soilforces water through holes in the upwardly extending drain structures.The water then passes rapidly to the bottom of the upwardly extendingdrain structures by the force of gravity and thereupon into thehorizontal drain structure wherein it is carried away from thefoundation.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In each of the above discussed patents, none provided an effective wayto drain leachate or other fluids from compost piles while also aeratingthe compost pile, nor a practical and efficient way to install andconstruct such drainage and aeration systems. The inventors of thepresent disclosure sought a way to effectively drain leachate and aeratewhile providing a rugged and durable system which could withstand heavyloads, including heavy machinery positioned over the drainage andaerating system, and would allow an efficient installation procedure

An embodiment of the aeration and drainage system of the presentdisclosure includes a aeration & drain pipe which contains slots on itsupper surface, a stand which holds said aeration & drain pipe above abottom surface, an air and liquid transfer element attached to saidaeration & drain pipe and positioned over said slots, wherein said airand liquid transfer element extends upward from said slots, wherein saidair and liquid transfer element contains openings on its top to allowfluids to flow into the air and liquid transfer element and through theslots in the aeration & drain pipe.

The aeration and drainage system is typically located in a reinforcedconcrete floor which may bear the weight of heavy machinery and heavyloads. Once the aeration and drainage system is assembled andpositioned, concrete is poured and spread over the aeration and drainagesystem. Thus, the aeration and drainage system becomes a permanentfixture in the floor. This presents a challenge when the air andaeration & drain pipes become clogged.

To achieve an efficient and cost effective cleaning method, aclean-water delivery system can be incorporated into the aeration anddrainage system. The aeration and drainage system can be connected tothe clean-water delivery system which can pump clean water through theaeration & drain pipes, thereby removing any unwanted debris locatedwithin the aeration & drain pipes.

Further, a method of draining fluids from a floor and aerating a floorsurface has also been developed. This method includes placing a framedown on a surface, placing an air and aeration & drain pipe with slotslocated on its top, on said frame, attaching an air and liquid transferelement to said air and aeration & drain pipe, wherein said air andliquid transfer element contains openings to allow fluids to passthrough and into said aeration & drain pipe, wherein said openings areeven or slightly recessed from a surface of the floor.

This aeration and drainage system has many applications including use incomposting, dairy farms, or other industrial facilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages will be apparent from the followingdetailed description, given by way of example, of a preferred embodimenttaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a first embodiment of theaeration & drain pipe, air and liquid transfer element, and frames withthe water jet and air flow system;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a frame;

FIG. 2 a is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the aeration & drain pipe and air and liquidtransfer element;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the aeration & drain pipe andair and liquid transfer element;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the aeration & drain pipe, air andliquid transfer element, and frames with the water jet and air flowsystem shown in a concrete floor;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drainage and aeration systeminstalled in the floor, with multiple cutaway levels shown;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cap strip being removed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment showing an aerationpipe and stands in a concrete block;

FIG. 9 is an end view of a stand;

FIG. 10 is an end view of a holder; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of a holder or stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, anumber of illustrative embodiments are described herein with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered asproviding examples of the principles of the invention and such examplesare not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodimentsdescribed herein and/or illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a drainage andaeration system 90. As shown in FIG. 1, an aeration & drain pipe 106 ispositioned on frames 118. Aeration & drain pipe 106 is made frompolyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable material which is durableand capable of draining leachate and other harmful organic compounds,and capable of transporting air into the compost.

Frames 118 contain a curved depression 109 which accommodates theaeration & drain pipe 106. A clamp 123 can then be placed over theaeration & drain pipe 106 and secured to the frame 118. Frame 118 can beplaced within a liner 126 which can be made of plastic or any othersuitable material, and which frame is placed on top of a temporary formboard 98. Frame 118 holds the aeration & drain pipe at a specifieddistance from the finished floor surface 120 (shown in FIG. 5)preventing the aeration & drain pipe 106 from resting on the ground; andfor supporting the concrete rebar that is placed parallel to theaeration and drain pipe The liner 126 serves as a concrete containmentform, and also prevents fluids that are not captured in the aeration &drain pipe 106 to be captured by the liner, thereby preventing harmfulfluids from seeping into the soil.

Aeration & drain pipe 106 also contains slots 107. Slots 107 allowfluids to enter into the aeration & drain pipe 106 from a floor surfaceabove the aeration & drain pipe 106. The fluids can then be carried fromthe aeration & drain pipe 106 into an appropriate holding vessel,leaching pond, etc. (not shown).

Slots 107 do not extend continuously over the entire length of theaeration & drain pipe 106 because this could cause the aeration & drainpipe to lose some of its rigidity and become deformed. Bridges 117 arelocated in-between slots 106 to further sustain rigidity and structuralintegrity to the aeration & drain pipe 106. Further, the slots 107 maynot extend to the edge of the aeration & drain pipe 106. This providesadditional structural support as well as allows transverse reinforcingbars to be placed across the aeration & drain pipe 106 to enhance thestructural integrity of the concrete slab.

Located on top of the aeration & drain pipe 106 and above slots 117 isthe air and liquid transfer element 103. The air and liquid transferelement 103 is the interface between the aeration & drain pipe 106 andthe top of the floor 120 (shown in FIG. 5). The air and liquid transferelement allows fluids to flow from the surface of floor 120, throughholes located on the top of the air and liquid transfer element, throughthe slots 107 and into the aeration & drain pipe 106, and converselypermits air transported by the aeration and drain pipe 106 to flowupward through slots 107, through the holes located in top of the air &liquid transfer element, and thus into the compost material placed onthe floor slab 120. The air and liquid transfer element will bediscussed in further detail below.

A removable cap strip 112 is located on top of the air and liquidtransfer element 103 and prevents debris/wet concrete from cloggingholes on the top of the air and liquid transfer element duringconstruction and concrete placement. Cap strip 112 is designed to beremovable. Plugs 116 are shown at each edge of air and liquid transferelement 103. Plugs 116 prevent fluids wet concrete from migrating intothe end of the air and liquid transfer element 103. Located on an end ofthe aeration & drain pipe 106 may be an air and water delivery system140. In a composting environment, it is desirable to be able to deliveroxygen to the microbes breaking down the organic material, and to removeleachates and free water from the surface of the floor slab 120. Aprimary pipe 144 can be supported by a pipe stand 145 and attached tothe aeration & drain pipe 106 via fitting 142. Air can then be fedthrough the primary pipe 144 into aeration & drain pipe 106. Air is thenforced up through the slots 107 and through air and liquid transferelement 103 and onto the surface of the floor. Once on the floorsurface, the air can permeate the compost pile and provide the correctamount of oxygen to the microbes.

Optionally, one or more sensors can be placed in the compost pile. Whenthe oxygen or temperature level in the compost gets below a certainvalue an air pump connected to the primary pipe 144 can be turned on,pumping air into the compost, and keeping the microbes breaking downorganic material at the optimum level.

Additionally, a clean-water pipe 128 can be used in the system toperiodically flush out the aeration & drain pipe. As discussed above,the system can be used in a composting environment. While the aeration &drain pipe is designed to remove fluids and tiny particles, it maybecome necessary to clean out the pipe due to a blockage in the aeration& drain pipe 106. In such event, a clean-water pipe 128 can be used tosupply clean water to the aeration & drain pipe 106. The clean watersupplied to the aeration & drain pipe 106 can then flush out any debristhat is located in the aeration & drain pipe 106.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of frame 118. Frame 118 can be made fromplastic or any other suitable material. Frame 118 is generallyrectangular in form and has a depression 109 which is designed toaccommodate the aeration & drain pipe 106. With an aeration & drain pipe106 positioned inside of depression 109, clamp 123 is then positionedover the aeration & drain pipe 106. The clamp 123 is secured to theframe 118 by a locking mechanism, and serves to keep the aeration anddrainage pipe 106 securely in place, and accurately positioned, duringconcrete placement, the latter being particularly important as hydraulicpressure applied by the wet concrete tends to cause flotation of theaeration and drainage pipe 106.

The locking mechanism can be implemented for example by using a malelocking part 124 and inserting it into a female locking part 125. Forexample, a serrated tongue and groove system can be used to secure theclamp 123 to the frame 118, as shown in FIG. 2 a.

Frame 118 can be secured to temporary form board 105 via a tab 108, witha screw, nail, or other fastening device to affix the frame 118 to thetemporary form board 105.

Frame 118 also may contain slots 122 which are designed to accommodatereinforcing bars, such as rebar. Rebar can then be inserted into slots122 such that the rebar is parallel with the aeration & drain pipe 106.The reinforced floor ensures that heavy loads can be superimposed on thefloor without causing damage to the floor.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the air and liquid transfer element 103attached to the aeration & drain pipe 106. As shown in FIG. 3, the airand liquid transfer element 103 has a generally inverted U shape. Thebottom of air and liquid transfer element 103 opens up into the slot 107of the aeration & drain pipe 106. This allows fluid captured in the airand liquid transfer element 103 to fall into the aeration & drain pipe106. Further, this helps to prevent the air and liquid transfer element103 and aeration & drain pipe 106 from getting clogged. Further itchannels the upward flowing air from the aeration & drain pipe into, andthrough the holes 113 (FIG. 4) into the compost placed on the floor 120.

Air and liquid transfer element 103 includes flexible sidewalls 102a/102 b. The flexible sidewalls allow the air and liquid transferelement to fit various size aeration & drain pipes 106. Further, the topof the inverted U-shaped air and liquid transfer element 99 acts like aspring, allowing the sidewalls 102 a/102 b to flex inward and outwardfor the purpose of connecting the air and liquid transfer element 99 toengage the slots 107 in the aeration and drain pipe 106, withoutnecessitating the use of glue, screws, or any mechanical, chemicalbonding or other connection method.

As shown in FIG. 3 the air and liquid transfer element 103 is adjustableto fit a large diameter aeration & drain pipe 106 b or a small diameteraeration & drain pipe 106 a. Top flange 105 goes on the top of theaeration & drain pipe 106 and bottom flange 100 goes on the bottom ofthe aeration & drain pipe 106. Together, top flange 105 and bottomflange 100 secure the air and liquid transfer element to the aeration &drain pipe 106. Flanges 105 and 100 can have a radius to make it easierto fit the flanges on the aeration & drain pipe. Bottom flange 100 has adownward curving radius while top flange 105 has an upward curvingradius. The curved flanges allow the edge of the aeration & drain pipe106 to be quickly and easily guided into the proper position.

In order to fit the air and liquid transfer element 103 to the aeration& drain pipe 106, the sidewalls 102 are pressed in and the flanges 105and 100 of the air and liquid transfer element 103 are aligned with theouter circumference of the aeration & drain pipe. The depressedsidewalls 102 b are then released, allowing the sidewalls to extend andcausing the flanges 105 and 100 to fit, respectively above and below theouter and inner circumference of the aeration & drain pipe 103.

A depression 115 is also shown in FIG. 3, below the top edge 114 of theair and liquid transfer element 103. The depression 115 is to allowconcrete to more securely fasten and bind the air and liquid transferelement 103. Further, the depression helps to ensure a tighter fit suchthat fluids do not go in between the air and liquid transfer element 103and the concrete.

Removable cap strip 112 is shown on the top of the air and liquidtransfer element 103. Protrusion 111 is located on the bottom of the capstrip 112. This protrusion can then align with a receiving slot 110 ofthe air and liquid transfer element 103. Thus, the cap strip 112 can beheld in place by the protrusion 111 and receiving slot 110 until the capstrip 112 is ready to be removed from the air and liquid transferelement 103.

The air and liquid transfer element 103 can also include plugs 116, asbest shown in FIG. 4, which attach to the end of the air and liquidtransfer element 103 and prevent air from escaping out of the side ofthe air and liquid transfer element, and to prevent wet concrete—duringconcrete placement—from migrating into the air and liquid transferelement 103. Plugs 116 can be attached by gluing, ultrasonic welding,fusing, chemical bonding, screwing, or any other suitable means.

As shown in FIG. 4, the top edge 114 of the air and liquid transferelement 103 includes a series of holes 113 which allow fluid to enterthe air and liquid transfer element, and keep out larger sized debris.The holes 113 also allow air to be pumped onto the floor surface andoxygenate the compost or other material. Holes 113 can be pre-drilledduring the manufacture of the air and liquid transfer element 103, orcan be made after the device has been installed. If many holes aredesired, then the holes 113 will typically be pre-drilled at thefactory. Holes 113 are not limited to circles, but can also be elongatedslots, ovals, etc. For compost aeration the holes 113 can be round andsmall, while for a biofilter, holes 113 can be round with close spacingin between holes, for maximum transporting of air. For animalexcretions, holes 113 can be large and/or closer together and elongated.

FIG. 5 shows an assembled view of an aeration and drainage system 90 ina concrete slab. The cover strip 112 of the air and liquid transferelement 103 is removed and the holes 113 are slightly recessed withinthe top of the concrete slab 120. The top edge 114 of the air and liquidtransfer element 103 is recessed in the concrete slab for severalreasons. By recessing the top edge 114, fluids will naturally collect atthis low point in the floor. Recessing also extends the life of theaeration and drainage system 90. When trucks and other heavy vehicles,animals, loads, etc. are on the floor, they will not contact the topedge 114 of the air and liquid transfer element 103 as it is recessed,but will instead simply come in contact with the concrete floor.

As the aeration and drainage system 90 is permanently fixed within theconcrete floor, cleaning the aeration & drain pipes 106, whicheventually are clogged, becomes critical. A water delivery system may beincorporated with the aeration and drainage system 90 in order tofacilitate easy cleaning of the system. Clean-water pipes 128 providewater to aeration & drain pipes 106, thereby flushing out any unwanteddebris in the aeration & drain pipes 106. Further, an air pump may beconnected to primary pipe 144 to supply air to the aeration and drainagesystem 90.

As best shown in FIG. 6, there are several stages to installing anaeration and drainage system 90. Once an appropriate location is chosenfor the aeration and drainage system 90, the system must be properlylaid out. This includes calculating the spacing between aeration & drainpipes 106 based on the amount of air that is required for the compostingor biofilter operation, or for fluids the system is designed to remove.The appropriate size aeration & drain pipes 106 must also be chosen. Theair and water delivery system 140 may also be laid out, if desired inthe system, depending on the size of the aeration and drainage system 90to be served.

Once the layout of the aeration and drain system along with the air andwater delivery system is complete, installation may begin. A liner 126is laid out, within a temporary form board 98, and frames 118 are placedin the liner, between the temporary form boards 98, and attachedthereto. Reinforcing bars such as steel rebar 121 can then be insertedinto slots 122 in order to provide for structural reinforcing for theconcrete. Aeration & drain pipe 106 can then be placed on the frames 118and secured thereto using clamps 123. Air and liquid transfer element103 will already be attached to the aeration & drain pipe 106 when it isplaced in the frames. At this stage of assembly the first concrete willbe poured into the liner 126, and encasing the bottom rebar 121, theframes 118, and the lower half of the aeration and drain pipe 106. Afterthe concrete is sufficiently set, the temporary wood form boards 98 canbe removed, and the slab sub-grade prepared for placement of theconcrete slab during the 2^(nd) and final pour.

118. An additional layer of rebar 121 a can then be placed transverselywith the aeration & drain pipe 106. The transverse rebar 121 a restsupon a rebar chair which allows the rebar to be fully encased inconcrete in accordance with standard concrete practice. Additionallayers of rebar 121 may then be placed parallel with the aeration &drain pipes 106, as shown in FIG. 6.

Once the aeration and drainage system 90, along with the air and waterdelivery system are in place, the concrete floor slab can be poured.Because the cap strip 112 covers holes 113, concrete can be poured overand on the aeration and drainage system 90, with no worry about cloggingthe holes 113. This greatly increases the efficiency of installing thesystem. For the first pour, concrete is poured, for example up to thetop of the liner 126. The bottom surface 119 of the first pour is shownfor example in FIG. 5. The bottom of the concrete floor is shown at theinterface of the first pour and second pour. Once the concrete for thesecond pour is approximately the height of the top edge 114 of the airand liquid transfer element 103, the concrete can then be floated andtrowelled to provide a flat surface.

At this point, the concrete will cover the top edge 114 of the air andliquid transfer element 103. However, as the cap strip 112 remains ontop of the air and liquid transfer element 103, concrete will not clogup the holes 113. Before the concrete is fully set, the cap strip 112can then be removed, as best shown in FIG. 7. The concrete around thecap strip 112 can be removed with a trowel or screw driver for example,and then the cap strip 112 can be pulled off of the air and liquidtransfer element 103. This leaves a perfectly clean opening in the topedge 114 of the air and liquid transfer element 103. Holes 113 are thusperfectly clean and free of debris. This also provides for a slightlyrecessed top edge 114, as discussed earlier.

In certain cases it will be desired to raise the concrete floor higherabove the top edge 114, and to create a custom drainage slot or reveal97 in order to create a more effective drainage channel for compostleachate or for liquids on the floor.

A second embodiment of the disclosure, and more applicable to smallercomposting system installations, is shown in FIGS. 8-11. FIG. 8 shows anaeration system in a slab of concrete. Air pipe 131 is supported bystands 132 Stand 132 can rest upon sand, gravel, or any other suitablecompact surface. Stands 132 help prevent displacement of the air pipe131 when concrete is poured over the aeration system. Intermediateholders 135, serve to transport air from air pipe 131, similarly to 132,but without being supported on the surface 133 (FIG. 9).

Concrete is poured up to the top of stand 132 and holder 135. Thesepoints provide a screed level at which the concrete should be levelledat. FIG. 9 shows a view taken along line 9-9 shown in FIG. 8. As shownin FIG. 9, a hole 138 is shown at the top of stand 132 and 137. Thishole is supplied pre-drilled, and serves to transport air from the airpipe 131 into the compost placed on top of the slab 120. Duringconstruction a screw may be placed into these holes, and self-drilledinto the air pipe 131 to maintain accuracy of spacing, and integrity ofthe assembly of all components, discussed in more detail below.

Further, stand 132 can rest in a liner, or simply on gravel, sand, orany other relatively flat surface 133.

FIG. 10 shows a view taken along the line 10-10 as shown in FIG. 8. FIG.10 shows an end view of a holder 135. A screw 137 is shown in the upperpart of the holder 135. Upon installing the aeration and drainagesystem, the screw 137 can be removed, and a slightly larger diameterhole re-drilled in the same location, thereby creating a clean holewhich allows air to be transported from the air pipe 131 into thecompost,

FIG. 11 shows a top view of holder 135 and support 132, and a roundaeration hole 136.

An air pump may also be attached to the air pipe(s) 131 in order to pumpair onto the floor surface and aerate a compost pile or other substance.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been particularly shownand described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it willbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changesin form and details may be made therein without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. An aeration system, comprising: an air pipe having aplurality of holes formed therein; a plurality of stands which supportsaid air pipe above a surface, said plurality of stands being spaced inthe longitudinal direction of said air pipe; wherein each of saidplurality of stands surrounds the circumferential outer surface of saidair pipe, wherein each of said plurality of stands includes a projectionwhich projects in upward, the projection including a hole formedtherein, and wherein said hole in said projection of each of saidplurality of stands is positioned such that said hole in said projectioncoincides with one of said plurality of holes formed in said air pipe,to thereby form an air passage.
 2. The aeration system of claim 1,further comprising: at least one holder including a projection whichprojects in an upward direction opposite to the surface and whichincludes a hole formed therein, wherein said holder surrounds thecircumferential outer surface of said air pipe without supporting saidair pipe on the surface.
 3. The aeration system of claim 2, wherein ascrew can be removably inserted into said hole in each of said pluralityof stands.
 4. The aeration system of claim 3, wherein a screw can beremovably inserted into said hole in each of said plurality of stands,and wherein a screw can be removably inserted into said hole in each ofsaid at least one holder.
 5. The aeration system of claim 1, furthercomprising an air pump connected to said air pipe.
 6. The aerationsystem of claim 2, further comprising an air pump connected to said airpipe.
 7. The aeration system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of holesare aligned along a longitudinal axis of said air pipe.
 8. The aerationsystem of claim 2, wherein said plurality of holes are aligned along alongitudinal axis of said air pipe.